Names that end in y

Cay is a rare respelling of the retro nickname Kay but one that may gain ground as a name that's both simple and unique. Like Kay, it can be a diminutive for any of the hundreds of Catherine variations that start with a C or of more modern names such as Caylee or Cadence. Or it can stand on its own as a sleek contemporary nickname-name.

While all spellings of these name are off their popularity peak, Brittney gained some recent notice as the name of the American basketball player arrested in Russian, Brittney Griner.

Cosy is a, well, cozy name, whose only downside is people forever making that dumb joke. Cosy can be short for Cosima or Cosette but can certainly stand on its own as a word name. Another plus: Sounds like Posy, Josie, and Rosie.

Qusay, which can also be spelled Qusai, was the name of the prophet Muhammad's patrilineal great-great-great grandfather.

No matter how you spell it, we're ready for this trendy name to pass.

Asbury Park, a quirky town on the Jersey Shore, was named for Francis Asbury, the first American bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Springsteen fans will likely be among those most drawn to Asbury as a first name; the Boss's first album was called "Greetings from Asbury Park."

Derived from the Hebrew phrase "El Shaddai" meaning God almighty, the beautiful Elshaday is used as a first name for girls in Ethiopia.

Along with Brenley, a rising surname-style name for girls.

Kory was always the least-used version of this name, which was always used less often for girls than for boys. As Corey and Cory, the name still hangs on in the boys' Top 1000, but Kory dropped off the boys' list in 2003 and the C spellings faded for girls in the mid-90s. Ironically, the classic girls' name Cora, derived from the Greek Kore, is rising quickly in popularity, now in the Top 100 in the US and a favorite of Nameberry visitors. We foresee this name making the Top 10 in the coming decade, so Cory and Kory may find a new life as short forms for newly popular Greek baby namesCora and sisters.